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10 Supplements That Cut Carb and Sugar Cravings Like Crazy!
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When most people try to lose weight, the first two things that go out the window are carbs and/or sugar. Unfortunately, those are the two monsters that most people seem to crave the most. Did anyone ever turn to you and say “I have the worst craving for some steamed broccoli”? Probably not. But how about, “OMG, I would cut off my right arm for a pizza”? Well, we have some good news for you. Cutting those cravings is as simple as taking a vitamin supplement. If you want to lower your carb and sugar intake, shift your body into a fat burning mode (as opposed to a fat storing mode), ensure that the carbs you are consuming do less damage to your hips and thighs, and reduce that urge to snack at night, then it’s simply a matter of finding the right supplement that works with your body. Keep reading for the 10 vitamin supplements that are known to cut cravings so you can stick to that diet and be beach ready by summer time!
1. Resveratrol
You might have heard about this supplement, since it has been all over the news. Resveratrol is a substance found in red wine and red grapes and has been shown to increase lifespan and improve insulin sensitivity. Although everyone wants to live a longer, healthier life, it’s the insulin sensitivity portion of this supplement that we are interested in. Insulin sensitivity means that your body will be better able to use the glucose for immediate energy, rather than store it for later use (fat storage). You need about 100mg each day for this to be effective. Look for the “trans” form of resveratrol, which is the only truly effective form of this supplement.
2. Lipoic Acid
This supplement will help stabilize blood sugar levels, so you don’t get the munchies or get hungry a few hours after eating, as well as step up the utilization of carbohydrates. You will find this in many antioxidant supplements. You need between 50 to 250mg of lipoic acid each day to keep those carb cravings under control.
3. Lipase
This is found in many digestive enzyme supplements and works well for those who have drastic blood sugar fluctuations. However, it is also a really helpful dieting tool because it can break down fat in the body and then burn it as fuel. You could simply take an isolated form of lipase, but why not take the entire digestive enzyme supplement just before your 2 largest meals of the day (perhaps before lunch and dinner.) The enzymes will help improve your digestion and the lipase will help break down fat, for a super effective one two punch!
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4. B Vitamins
Many times, an insufficient amount of B vitamins makes you feel as if you simply must eat more carbs. This is the body’s way of trying to get a sufficient amount. Taking a B vitamin supplement will greatly help improve carbohydrate metabolism, so you make better use of the carbs you are eating. Always consume a B complex, as these vitamins work best in combination with one another. Also, use a fat soluble form, rather than the water soluble form. You will need between 100 to 250mg of the fat soluble form every day. Find out how to fight with Vitamin B2 deficiency.
5. Fish Oil
This works in much the same way resveratrol does. Fish oil increases insulin sensitivity. Krill oil is especially effective. It is more expensive, yes, but it’s well worth the cost, as it is better absorbed and better utilized than other types of fish oil.
6. L-tryptophan
Firstly, do not consume this if you are taking antidepressants. If the name sounds familiar, yes, it’s the same compound that is found in small quantities in milk and turkey meat and can make you feel relaxed and sleepy after a meal, however, this is also super helpful for reducing those carb cravings. You can often find this in many amino acid supplements. Take between 500 to 1500mg daily for best results.
7. CoEnzymeQ10
Sometimes called ubiquinone, this is a vital part of your cell’s energy producing powerhouses and critical if you want to improve your carb utilization. Some multi-vitamins have this already built in, but you can also consume it on its own. You will need between 80 and 300mg daily. Always buy a good quality supplement from a trusted company as this supplement recent popularity has produced some poor quality items that contain little or no CoEnzymeQ10.
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8. Gymnema Sylvestre
If you are taking any prescription drugs, check with your doctor before consuming, as it can have drug interactions. Otherwise, this supplement is the bomb when it comes to stopping sugar and carb cravings in their tracks. In fact, if you want to stop eating sugar, place a bit of the powder directly on your tongue. This works by making sugar taste like chalk for hours afterwards. The only drawback to this supplement is the amount you need to take to achieve effectiveness, which is about 4 grams (not milligrams, but grams) taken two or three times daily.
9. Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Don’t confuse this with L-carnosine; this is an acetylated form of the plain old L-carnitine. This supplement is used to move fatty acids into your cells to be used as energy, which means that it can help your body switch over to burning fat as fuel. You will need between 500 to 2,000mg each day. Start with the minimum and if it doesn’t seem effective, add 500mg each day until those cravings bite the dust.
SEE ALSO: What Natural Appetite Suppressant Can Keep You Feeling Full with No Cravings?
10. Chromium Picolinate
This supplement helps with the metabolism of glucose, which is the way that you use carbs as fuel. It can also improve your insulin sensitivity. This one stops both carb and sugar cravings. IN one study, subjects that took 600 micrograms of chromium picolinate for the 2 month study period stated that they had significantly reduced carb and sugar cravings. Since chromium stabilized blood sugar levels, this would diminish the desire for those sugar laden and carb rich foods. Chromium picolinate has also been shown in some studies to increase lean body mass.
Bonus Tip: The University of Toronto published a study in 2005 in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that pregnant women who were given high doses of vitamins K, E, D, and A, had a reduced urge to consume sugary foods. Scientists know that the more vitamin D you consume, the less likely that you will develop type 2 diabetes as you age, but it’s not fully understood how this works. Since pregnant women tend to eat better diets, and consume very high levels of vitamins and minerals, scientists believe that this might be the reason behind their lack of interest in sugar.
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Sandy Rivers
Oct 22, 2016 at 1:36 pm
Chromium picolinate is very dangerous for pregnant women
Philip Baughen
Oct 11, 2017 at 10:38 pm
Is it safe to take all of these together?
type2
Jan 5, 2018 at 3:49 pm
I suppose you could take them all… I’d call that “Lunch”.